Rocky… And The Courage to Create Your Own Story Against All Odds..
I cannot recall the first time I saw the original Rocky movie, but I never forgot the feeling that movie gave me (and countless others) when the credits rolled. I loved it from start to finish. In fact, I still recall the artificial plastic smell of the “Rocky Anthology” DVD case I received for Christmas one year. Each and every time that foldable 5 DVD set was revealed, I felt a certain sense of magic and a road map to do the next right thing; at the very same time, it was a couple hours away from the reality of homework. Let’s break it down..
What Made Rocky so Successful?
Considering how Sylvester Stallone’s life was parallel to the Rocky story at the time, it’s no wonder audiences felt the story connected so deeply. It was genuine and it came from the heart.
The general tone of the first movie transcended from“I’m in a spot where I feel there’s no way out of my current circumstances” to “I’m standing in the face of apparently impossible odds, but what if I summon the courage to keep moving forward, despite these odds?”
The result? Everything I’ve ever wanted lies on the other side of this courage.
This was true for Rocky, Stallone and for most everybody in attendance of the movie premier in 1976. Audiences left theatres feeling empowered. It was as if their mighty angst with the world was somehow held and reflected in that 119 minute run time.
Understanding the Pain of Existence
Rocky was trying to earn the rent for a less than optimal roof over his head with a job he’d wish to forget at the end of the day, all while trying to remain a moral character who was simultaneously striving to secure a love life that felt irreparably elusive. After another amateur bout, Rocky retires home to playfully feed and chat to his pet turtles.
During this scene, he inevitably notices a picture of himself as a young boy. The atmosphere changes, and we’re left with a haunting backround melody by Kool and the Gang (Summer Madness) while Rocky appears to display an overwhelming feeling of displacement that coneys “how did it all get like this?”.
Yeah, I’ve certainly felt that before. That’s the type of heaviness that stops us in our tracks, leaving us feeling surrounded by brick walls. My circle has changed; some have died and others are now distant, and I couldn’t have imagined in that picture that I would have ended up here..
Taking Accountability
Regardless of his pain, Rocky pushes on making a living, hitting the gym where possible and looking after those closest to him. When he learns he may have an opportunity in fighting, he responds with training.
Some remember this part as Rocky drinking the raw eggs.. Not me! The raw egg drinking was more of a bonus comedic element. This was a powerful scene in the movie.
The outrageously loud alarm sounds at 4am, Rocky, shivering now, sits up in bed with only the company of radio chatter by his side.
After his sub optimal protein shake, he heads for the street to start training.
We can see clearly how he is not excited about running in the low temperatures and how he probably wishes he stayed in bed, yet he perseveres.
He eventually reaches the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, exhausted, limping and breathless.
Doesn’t sound so glamorous.. so why is it so damn beautiful? Well we get to see the streets of Philadelphia on a cold and fresh morning, but that’s not it. I think it’s more about the whole somber and lonely nature of the whole scene.
No glory.
No others.
No extraordinary level of fitness or guarantee of success.
Just a fine slice of hope and self-belief.
Lastly, there was the willingness to keep moving forward even in the face of adversity. No more shying away. Time to show that kid in the mirror a better life.
Even though he can only walk home, emotionally and physically broken, he trains it again the following day. And the day after. And the day after that..
What’s the Point?
For those who have seen the movie, we know how it goes. Rocky (an amateur boxer) faces Apollo Creed for the world heavyweight title and goes the distance. Incredible. In his own words “I can’t do it, I can’t beat him; I mean who am I kiddin’ I ain’t even in the guys league." After some questioning from Adrian (Rocky’s newfound partner), he concludes “it really don’t matter if i lose this fight, ‘cause all I wanna do is go the distance”.
Sound familiar? Sounds to me like the run to the steps that initially broke rocky’s spirit paid off. If I use his logic for a moment:
Wake up early
Fuel Properly
Run, even when it’s hard, or especially when its hard.
Delay the comfort and warmth of bed.
Commit to the goal
Work hard..And when the time comes? We know what to do. We’ve been doing it already.
Isn’t that what got rocky to stand up before the count of 10 in the fight? Hard work and determination? An unwillingness to give up?
It appears to be.
How Does Rocky From 1976 Relate to My Mental Health in 2026?
I believe each and every one of us has our own personal Rocky story unfolding/waiting to unfold in our lives. Maybe we haven’t yet decided to metaphorically drink raw eggs at 4am and run 5 miles. Maybe we have, and something’s still not right. For some of us, we’re still trying to establish what our story is supposed to look like, or how we’re supposed to find out what our next step should be.
Here’s where I can help. Sometimes our circumstances can leave us feeling like a ship lost at sea, not knowing which way to turn. Counselling can be a great way to help us take a step back from our pain and establish a clear path forward, even when it’s hard to do so. The company in counselling serves as a witness to keep you grounded and going in the right direction.
As a child, that movie struck a chord, and it still does today. So much so that Rocky saw countless sequels; the most recent being “I Play Rocky” coming to theaters this November.
Counselling In Swords & North Dublin
If any of this resonates, maybe we can work together to help you assign your courage to live your own story.
I offer counselling in Swords to help straighten out the stories we tell ourselves, and to help get your brain working for you, rather than against you.
I aim to support people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, and relationship difficulties in Swords and across North Dublin.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to begin, counselling can offer a steady space to talk things through and feel supported.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes, the first step is simply having a place where you can speak openly and be met with care.
